Press Releases
March 31, 2008
Making the Digital Transition:
An Exciting Enhancement to our Airwaves
Column by Senator Jim Webb
It may seem like a long way off, but on February 17, 2009, you may lose your television signal. I want to help make sure that does not happen. I know how much you and your family rely on television for your news, emergency information, sports, and entertainment programs.
For most Virginians – those who subscribe to cable or satellite television, or who own newer digital television sets – there will be no problem.
But nearly 300,000 Virginia households own traditional analog TV sets that rely on over-the-air signals. These TVs use an antenna or “rabbit ears” to pick up television stations’ analog signals. Virginians who own these types of TVs must take action to make sure their TVs will continue to function after February 17, 2009.
Why are TV stations changing the way that they send their signals to your televisions?
Television stations currently send their signals over the airwaves to TV sets using traditional analog signals. Congress, however, has required broadcasters to transition those analog signals into “modern” digital signals. This digital TV transition will allow our nation to more efficiently use airwaves and give some frequencies to our nation’s police and fire forces to better protect us.
Plus, digital signals produce sharper pictures, better sound, and allow TV stations to provide additional channels, which all benefit consumers.
Congress and the President decided that February 17, 2009, is the day that TV stations must turn off their analog signals and make the complete switchover to digital.
What do Virginians need to do to keep enjoying television programs if they rely on old analog TVs with antennae or rabbit ears?
First, if you have access to the Internet, visit the official government websites www.dtv2009.gov or www.ntia.doc.gov. If you do not have Internet access, you can call 1-888-DTV-2009 or 1-888-388-2009. These government sources give a full range of information about the digital television transition and can answer your questions.
Second, after February 17, 2009, all TV sets that get programs over-the-air will need to be plugged into a machine called a “converter box.” A converter box is approximately the size of a paperback book. The box will automatically convert your TV’s old analog signals into new digital signals, eliminating the need to buy a new TV set.
The federal government has agreed to help people purchase converter boxes if they rely on over-the-air signals. Each household can request up to two coupons from the government – to be used to purchase two approved converter boxes. Each coupon is worth forty dollars, which should almost cover the cost of buying a converter box. Coupons expire ninety days after the government sends them to you. Most major retail stores plan to sell converter boxes and most will accept the coupons. To request your coupons, apply online at www.dtv2009.gov or call the coupon program 24 hours a day at 1-888-DTV-2009.
There is a limited number of coupons, so I recommended obtaining your coupons sooner rather than later. Please note that these government coupons have no cash value, so you can use them only to purchase an approved converter box.
We are all in this digital TV transition together. So I make a special request for you to help neighbors or relatives in your communities—like the elderly and disabled—who may need assistance acquiring and hooking up their converter boxes.
The digital television transition is an exciting chapter in our nation’s history. For decades to come, we will be able to enjoy enhanced television programming, while giving our brave public safety responders the airwaves they need to protect our nation.
As of today, you have little more than 10 months to get prepared. I look forward to giving you further updates about the digital TV transition and making sure you have the information you need to continue to enjoy your televisions.
« Back to Press Releases
